Learning in the 21st century has become a fairly hot topic in recent days. Students now simply don’t need the same skills students did just a few decades ago, so classrooms and other learning areas prize critical and creative thinking with collaboration to ensure students have the necessary skills to move forward in life. Unfortunately, most schools are set up for a very different kind of learning. Flexibility and information literacy aren’t always part of the classroom layout, so while teachers and administrators are rethinking the curriculum, they have to be rethinking the layout of a classroom as well. These design ideas can help you rethink your learning spaces.

Classroom Flow: Collaboration has to be at the forefront of everything your teachers do in the classroom. As a result, you have to create spaces that are ready to foster creative energy in groups. The classic desks and chairs don’t always work well for that. Instead, comfortable tables and chairs that are configurable for a variety of projects tend to work well. Open spaces also work well so students feel like they can move among groups to get projects completed.

classroom with smartboardMultimedia Friendly: Technological and face to face learning have to work well in the 21st century classroom, so every design you create needs to be ready to integrate technology at a moment’s notice. Whether that means projectors so students can see an instructor’s screen, data connections for students, or even simply space to use tablets and laptops, classrooms should be as wired for technology as they are for students. Don’t forget to factor lighting into this equation, as something as simple as the screen in the wrong place in the afternoon could make a room completely unusable.

Classroom Look: The aesthetic appeal of a classroom has to play a central role in 21st century learning design as well. The goal is to build a student-centered experience where kids feel comfortable enough to learn. That means both a physical and mental sense of ease, and a big part of that comes from the choices you make. Everything from the color of classroom walls to the flooring choices to the furniture you fill the room with can contribute to it, so ensure you’re working toward harmony with teach of the choices, as well as a level of simplicity so the classroom can be easily repurposed in the future as learning needs change.

Good designs can be difficult to achieve in today’s learning environment, which is a big part of the reason you may want to choose a trusted guide to help you through the experience. Carroll Seating can help. The premier school furniture company, we have the project managers, design experts, and catalog to help you build the perfect classroom to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

 

The classroom – it’s a space for learning and discovery like no other. So many amazing things can happen in a classroom, and while a classroom doesn’t even have to be a defined space, it certainly helps to create the right atmosphere for learning. From primary school classrooms through university spaces designed for those obtaining degrees at the highest level, aesthetics can actually enhance the learning process, and one simple way to ensure you’re building the right aesthetic feel is to choose custom casework for every classroom in the building.

453911359Understanding the Process
It starts with a simple idea. You know what you want in a given area. Whether it’s a science lab or a foreign language classroom, your ideas go far during the process. From there, you’ll contact the right custom casework company to meet your needs. While there are many, you’ll want to select one with extensive industry experience so you can make certain you’re getting the best from the outset. You’ll also want one with a fairly large catalog of options so you can make sure you’re getting exactly what you want in terms of look, options, and finishes. Once you’ve found the right company, you’ll sit down with your case or project manager to make your order. Order placed, the waiting process begins. Often within a few weeks, your order will be ready, and installation can begin in your facility. This is perhaps the best part, as you begin to watch your classrooms transform from drab and dull to nothing short of magazine-style amazing. Be sure to take lots of photos during the process for your newsletter or newspaper so everyone can watch the process unfold just as you have. Once the casework is installed and the finishing touches are put on, it’s time for your magnificent unveiling to students and staff. They’ll be so surprised at the new atmosphere you set into motion with a single call.

Making the Right Choices
With so many potential selections out there, it’s easy to wonder if you’ll make the right choice and create that perfect atmosphere for your students and teachers alike. Fortunately, most companies that create and install custom casework have you covered there, too. With designers on staff to help guide your decision making process and ensure you get exactly what you need in your order, you’ll have beautiful classrooms no matter what selections you make.
Custom casework can do so much for your classrooms. Look into it today, and enhance learning throughout your facility.

Drew Gough, Sales

Drew Gough,  Sales email our team
Drew graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2017 with an Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. With brief experience in small Architectural and Civil firms in the Portland Maine area, Drew later settled in Hussey Seating Company for the past 5 years. Drew joined the CSC sales team in November of 2024 covering the state of Iowa as his sales territory. Drew has a strong technical background and is very passionate about the products he sells. He believes that a thorough understanding of the products combined with open communication with all parties is the key to success in this industry. Outside of work, Drew enjoys fitness related activities, being outdoors, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife, Emily.

Levi Curtis, Project Manager

Levi Curtis,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and working on our farm with my sons.  My wife and I enjoy traveling and the chaos of the boy’s youth sports.

Tammy Winship, Accountant

Tammy Winship,  Accountant email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Kelli Brandon, Project Manager

Kelli Brandon,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
When not at the office I enjoy painting, baking, and spending quality time with my three grandkids.  .

Mandy Kohlbrecher, Project Manager

Mandy Kohlbrecher,  Project Manager email our team

Mandy Kohlbrecher is a Senior Project Manager and Senior Estimator for Carroll Seating. She is from Trenton, IL and attended Art Institute (Chicago) and Rankin Technical College.

When she joined Carroll Seating in 2013, she brought 10 years of design experience in interiors and architecture to the team.

Eddie Scheer, Sales

Eddie Scheer,  Sales email our team

Eddie Scheer is Carroll Seating’s Regional Director for Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, a die-hard KU Jayhawks fan and graduate of the KU School of Architecture and Design. He has been with Carroll Seating over 11 years and prior to that time,  he served clients for 23 years as an architect.

Dustin Hecht, Project Manager

Dustin Hecht ,  Project Manager email our team
Dustin is a life-long woodworker with a passion for crafting. When he's not in the workshop, he might be found tinkering with cars or hitting the links for a round of golf. Dustin is a family man, happily married to Courtney, and together they have two daughters.

Mike Yager, Sales

Mike Yager,  Sales email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Doug Mead, General Manager KC and STL

Doug Mead,  General Manager KC and STL email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jordon Lanning, Repair & Service

Jordon Lanning,  Repair & Service email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

John Underwood

John Underwood,  Warehouse Manager email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jacob

Jacob Allen,  Rproject Manager & Estimator  email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service  email our team
When out and about I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our 5 grandkids.

Brock Christopher,  Sales

Brock Christopher,  Sales email our team
On the weekends and during the evenings, a majority of my time is spent playing soccer with my 7-year-old Kade or working on various projects with my 12-year-old Kael.  During the fall you can find me doing anything related to the KC Chiefs or Mizzou Tigers.

Stephanie Vogl,  R&S Admin

Stephanie Vogl,  RS Admin email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Suzi Johnson,  Project Accountant

Suzi Johnson,  PM Coordinator email our team
I have spent most of my life in Illinois. I enjoy traveling and taking photos. I need coffee to function. My life revolves around my fur child, Norman.

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Kevin Morkin,  Insurance / Warehouse email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant  email our team
I enjoy spending time with my family. 

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator  email our team
When I am not at work I enjoy baking.

PJ Carroll

Ludwig Hoeft,  Project Manager / Estimator email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

PJ Carroll

Sam Shapiro,  Project Manager  email our team

Sam is a safety trained supervisor of construction whose experience ranges from factory to field.

He enjoys hiking, road trips, and rock concerts.

Mike Gillam

Mike Gillam  General Manager & Director of R&S   email our team
My life outside of the office consists of trips to remote locations and spending time with my family and five grandkids.  I love the Lord and doing His work.

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll,  President  email our team
Pat has been a dedicated member of the Carroll Seating Team since he joined full-time in 1977, after earning his bachelor’s in business from the University of Kansas. He initially gained hands-on experience as an installer during high school and college. In 1998, he was promoted to President, bringing extensive knowledge of both fixed and movable products to the role and focusing on promoting the features of CSC’s vendors for mutual success.  Outside of work, Pat cherishes time with his family, which includes the love of his life Suzy, their three children and four grandchildren. He enjoys golf, fishing, yard work, home projects, and entertaining, always striving to make the most of each day. 

Alexander Klopp

Alexander Klopp  Sales   email our team
When I am not in the office I enjoy my life in the western suburbs as a Husband of 30 years, father of 2 adult children and an active member in our local Presbyterian church. Passions include family adventures with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Tim Haggerty,  Sales  email our team

“When I am not working, I like to enjoy time with my family living an active life style that includes, live music, sporting events, golfing, fishing, and skiing.” 

 

Evan Carroll,  Sales & Special Projects email our team

Evan Patrick Carroll, following an internship from 2003- 2005, joined as full-time sales in 2008.

Tom Madura,  Controller  email our team

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my wife, 3 kids and our dog!  My hobbies include playing golf and practicing guitar which I keep working at. 

Meredith Pollard (Carroll),  General Manager  email our team

Meredith graduated from the University of Kansas in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Business. 

After pursuing a brief retail career, she joined CSC as a full-time employee in March of 2011. Originally hired in sales, Meredith found her fit in the company was better off in Management. She was promoted to the General Manager of the Chicago office in 2018. As General Manager, she believes that a motivated workforce is the foundation of success, and actively promotes collaboration, open communication, and skill development among all employees and believes that a successful business is built on strong relationships—both with clients and team members.

When not at the office, Meredith enjoys her life in Roscoe Village, downtown, with her husband Mike and son Cameron. 

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll
President

Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

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